Zanzibar Travel Guide

Zanzibar is an island off the coast of Tanzania famous for its history, culture, archeological sites, and stunning white sand beaches. Zanzibar Province includes Pemba Island to the north as well as many smaller islands in the Zanzibar archipelago. To distinguish the main island from the larger province, the island alone is sometimes referred to as Unguja or "Zanzibar Island".

There are many ferries and catamarans that can take you betweenDar es Salaamand the Island.Azam Marine,Sea Express,Sea Star,SeagullKilimanjaroandSepideh Megaspeed Linersare among the nicest available. Some of these are run by Azam (2 hr, US$35 for non-residents, leaving Dar es Salaam at 07:00, 09:30, 12:30 and 15:45 and returning from Stone Town at 07:00, 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30, check withAzamfor updates).

Althoughtaxisare available, you will probably want towalkthrough Stone Town. After all, most of the alleys are barely wide enough for a bike to pass.

Zanzibar does not offer much of cheap accommodation. The cheapest budget hotels in Stone Town start from TSh 25,000 for a double, and normal budget hotel prices range TSh 45,000 to 90,000 and that's during the low season, where several hotels stay closed due to lack of customers. The quoted prices are after bargaining: low-season is a good time to do so and not having your bags with you when doing so, will also give you a boost.